Advertisement

Sun is abundant in Turkey's Anatolian and Mediterranean regions, but its potential as an energy source remains unfulfilled. (Photograph by Clint Koehler, Flickr)

In the past, people appreciated the importance of the sun only when they were drying tomatoes and eggplants. Vegetables were hung on strings and left to dry under the sun.

The sun in Turkey’s Anatolia region is bringing welfare and prosperity to its people more than ever these days. Solar energy will be the most significant symbol of the new era. There will be more need for energy from the sun as a result of the natural decline of fossil fuels.

If we take into consideration the pollution caused by the fossil fuels, there is actually an immediate need for the sun to shine more brightly on Anatolia. After all, the solar energy that lights our world is 160 times more powerful and cleaner than fossil fuels.

Turkey has a high potential for solar energy for 110 days a year. Turkey is surrounded by neighbors such as Iran and Russia, who have rich natural reserves, electricity producers such as Bulgaria and Romania, and the energy and oil corridors of Iraq and Syria.

There is abundant solar energy in Turkey’s southeastern Anatolian region and the Mediterranean region. However, there is not enough use of this resource. Forced to rely on old but efficient fossil fuel energy sources, Turkey should take quicker steps toward harnessing solar energy.

Will this transformation of the strong sunlight of Anatolia into money reflect the Zeybek dance? The Zeybek is a folkloric dance in Turkey, during which the dancers mimic the movements of a hawk. It reflects the noble and courageous aspects of the Turkish character. The partners are dancing independently, free from one another. The bravery of the Turk, even when alone, is reflected in the music and the dance. The players in the dance are heroes on their own. The hawk’s standing posture, with open wings on the sides, is a symbol of this feature.

Turkey, which is in the middle of the energy corridor from the Caucasus to the Balkans, from Russia to Europe, must take renewable energy under its own wings, like the Zeybek dance. By returning to its own individual character, Turkey can set up the mechanisms to implement solar energy, despite the chaos with its neighbors in the region. However, looking at the facts in 2011, this goal is only a good wish at this point.

According to reports (PDF, in Turkish) by Mr. Kamil Varinca and Mr. Talha Gonullu at the Istanbul Yildiz Technical University Environmental Engineering Department, “Turkey is in very good condition in terms of solar energy. Unfortunately, it cannot use this potential in an active and a widespread way. The lack of coordination between the institutions of the state, and the government’s not applying an incentive on this issue until now, are the main causes.”

This clean energy, which has a history of 30 years of research and development, must move to the top of the agenda for the Turkish government. Already, solar panels in the Mediterranean and the Aegean regions are used to provide hot water in houses, hotels and factories. It is good news that the Turkish people are aware of this energy, independent of daily politics or governmental action.

According to Ms. Birsen Alacakir, who is researching the potential of solar energy for the Ankara General Directorate of Electrical Power, producers and consumers should be encouraged to use it with government incentives and regulations. She added that solar cells should be more in use like in some other countries.

A road map for Turkey’s future energy plans, set out in 2004 and supported by the State Planning Organization and The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, has been a good start for mobilizing Turkey’s renewable energy sources.

Turkey has demonstrated a will to meet energy demand: Drilling for oil in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, efforts to build a nuclear power plant, and increasing imports of natural gas from Azerbaijan are examples of that will.

But, when it comes to clean solar energy, we still are not seeing the Turkish Zeybek dance …

Comments

Dr. Patrick Hunt

Stanford University

July 27, 2012, 7:56 pm

First, Clean Tech is the future and this brief article on Turkey’s huge solar potential – current infrastructure obstacles notwithstanding – is timely and right on target. Second, as one whose research has been sponsored by NatGeo and who works often with NGS photographers and their first-rate media, I’m very impressed with many of Clint Koehler’s photographs (I’ve used some myself elsewhere) : he should be a full-time NatGeo photographer.

Solar Energy

April 10, 2012, 4:26 am

It needs investments but when you know that you invest in something that is green,renewable,without pollution and economical then that investment is OK.

angela karam

São Paulo - Brasil

October 30, 2011, 3:09 pm

muito interessante este artigo, Serkan esta de parabens amigo..

khalid mahmood

Pakistan

October 27, 2011, 1:27 pm

Renewable /alternate energy resources are teh need of time. All developing nations must use the solar aspect for their low end usage, therefore, providing for the needy. It needs investment but in turn create self sufficiency for the lesser provided in the society.

Ozben Ors

Istanbul

October 27, 2011, 9:56 am

This is a clear, concise, and well-written article. The author, Serkan Oral here makes many points.
Nations should promote alternative energy sources to not to compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Looking upon the near history, Turkey appears to be a role model for the surrounding countries in this region. Any movement or wow to promote the green energy would be helpful to sustain a healtier future.
Lastly, I personally think; because of soaring oil prices it seems to be gaining urgency for Local Turkish People as well…

Clint

Istanbul

October 25, 2011, 2:06 pm

The article by Serkan Oral was very thoughtful and well written. I believe Turkey and other nations, large and small, must turn quickly to solar power fully, to provide as much of their energy as possible. With 7-Billion people on this planet, the use of fossil fuels as our primary sources will prove suicidal. We must put sustaining our environment, and thus, our very lives, ahead of profits for oil, gas and coal companies and fossil fuel producers. Turkey can help lead the way.

About This Blog

National Geographic is no longer updating this blog. For the latest energy coverage, visit the Great Energy Challenge .